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So, you’ve been invited to a taco-themed event and now you’re trying to figure out what to bring to a taco party. No problem! Today we’re chatting all about dishes to pair with tacos as well as our best taco party ideas.
We’ll cover delicious and unique ideas for tacos and sides that will leave party guests begging you for the recipe. Tacos are a perfect choice for entertaining because everyone loves making their own tacos.
And a taco bar is a great way to feed larger groups at birthdays, graduation parties, game day parties and holidays like Cinco de Mayo.
If you’re hosting, be sure to check out our best tips to host a killer taco bar party. Get ready to level up your taco game!
What is a Good Side to Bring to a Taco Party?
Tasty side dishes should complement the flavors of tacos without overpowering them. When it comes to tacos, there are endless possibilities for sides to complement the star of the show. Some classic options include refried beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips.
However, you may want to step up your game and bring something more unique to add a burst of flavor and bring some color to the table. Consider one of these popular taco bar side dishes:
Elote (Mexican street corn) – grilled corn slathered with creamy mayo, cheese and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Grilled pineapple salsa – with a sweet and smoky flavor profile, serve this easy dish as a dip or alongside meats.
Cilantro lime slaw – this flavorful dish can be served as a side or as a taco topping.
Fiesta salad – a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for summer parties.
Now that we’ve covered the sides, let’s talk about the taco fillings themselves. While traditional tacos include seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to try.
A variety of meat fillings such as carne asada (steak) grilled shrimp, pork carnitas, fish or spicy chorizo.
Vegetarian options such as roasted vegetables or black beans for tacos.
Don’t forget the tortillas! We usually include two types – soft flour tortillas and smaller street taco-sized corn tortillas. Depending on your guests, you can also offer:
Crunchy hard taco shells.
Lettuce wraps are a healthier alternative to the tortillas.
For most people, the toppings are the best part, so don’t be afraid to mix things up! In addition to the usual toppings like lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes, consider adding unexpected ingredients. We’ve shared some of our favorite taco toppings below:
Toppings take the tacos over the top and offer chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or crumbled Cotija cheese.
Sauces are the finishing touch. Go with a simple hot sauce, creamy guacamole or sour cream, or get a little fancier with salsa verde, creamy jalapeno sauce or pico de gallo.
Finish with sweet treats and beverages for a complete meal!
Desserts like churros or Mexican chocolate brownies are a sweet way to end the meal.
To quench thirst and cool down a spicy tongue offer margaritas, Mexican beer, horchata and agua frescas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make homemade salsa?
There are many variations, but the basic recipe involves blending together tomatoes, onion, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and lime juice.
What’s the best way to keep guacamole from turning brown?
To keep guacamole looking fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent air from reaching it. Remove the plastic before serving. Another option is to stir in a squeeze of lime juice, which can help preserve its color.
Where can I find authentic taco seasonings?
Taco seasonings can be found at the grocery store in the international foods aisle. Or make your own with our easy homemade taco seasoning recipe.
In Conclusion
Taco parties are all about creativity and having fun with food. Whether you’re bringing a side dish, hosting your own party or need a meal for your next taco night, don’t be afraid to mix things up and try new flavors. With these ideas in hand, you’ll be ready for any taco-themed event that comes your way!
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Take the mystery out of what to bring to a taco party! Our best recipes and tips to ensure a memorable fiesta.
Sauces and Toppings
Copycat Taco Bell Baja Sauce
This easy copycat recipe tastes just like Taco Bell Baja sauce. Mix up a batch and take it along to a taco party to give everyone a sauce they will want to drizzle over everything!
If you want to bring something simple, yet so delicious that no one can resist it, try this lime crema. It pairs well with tacos, nachos, burritos or just chips as a dip.
Adding pineapple mango salsa to a taco party is a delicious and colorful idea. Your friends will love the flavor this simple sauce adds to tacos, nachos and just salty tortilla chips. Make a double batch because everyone will love this!
You can make this salad with just six simple ingredients. It is easy to pack and take to a party and it adds color and flavor to the meal. It is so tasty you are guaranteed to bring home an empty dish and have friends asking you for the recipe all night long.
Make a batch of seven layer taco dip to take to a party, and you are sure to come home with an empty dish. Pair it with salty tortilla chips for a flavorful and easy appetizer that is perfect to share with a crowd.
This street corn salad delivers elotes flavor in each bite, but in a big bowl, with enough to share with everyone. Add cotija cheese, a creamy dressing and kernels of sweet corn to make the best party food side to share.
Bring a tray of fries to a taco party for a fusion dish everyone will happily dig into. With taco meat, cheese and plenty of veggies over crispy fries, this makes an awesome and unusual party food to share.
This easy air fryer recipe is perfect for a taco party. Caramelized pineapple cooks quick in the air fryer to make a sweet treat that works as a starter, a side or even a dessert. You can make a bunch of these in just a few minutes to share with everyone, and you are sure to have a unique offering when you show up with these.
Brown rice gets an easy upgrade with this recipe. With cilantro and lime juice, a pantry staple is transformed into a perfect side dish for taco night. This budget friendly dish is great topped with taco fixings, or just enjoyed as prepared.
A pot of vegan taco soup makes a great potluck option as it delivers bold taco flavors in a cozy package that everyone can enjoy. With veggies, a rich spicy broth and plenty of beans, this dish is filling, budget friendly and absolutely delicious.
These buffalo shrimp tacos are so tasty. Succulent shrimp is tossed in zesty buffalo sauce and paired with creamy avocado and zesty onions to make a really great taco option for a party. These are easy and so satisfying to share.
Take a tray of shredded chicken tacos along to a party, and everyone will like them so much they practically cluck for them! This recipe is very easy to prepare and has the best savory flavor. Offer salsa and assorted sauces to dip your tacos into for a fresh and flavorful option.
These flavorful fish tacos are topped with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw. Made in the air fryer, this dish is a quick and healthy twist on taco night that your guests will love.
Adding taco meat to budget friendly spaghetti makes such a fun take on dinner. This dish can feed a crowd and has a medley of delicious ingredients from zesty sauce, to peppers and onions to make a mash up meal that satisfies without breaking your grocery budget.
A tray of nachos is a natural choice for a taco bar party, but this easy recipe is ultra special. It delivers banana split flavor in each yummy, sweet bite. Top these dessert nachos with a scoop of ice cream to cool off the spicy mouths acquired during the taco meal.
This mousse parfait starts with yogurt to make a healthier take on a dessert classic. This recipe delivers a delicious mango flavor in each creamy bite. You only need three simple ingredients to make this, but it tastes like you spent all day creating them.
End an epic taco dinner with a yummy dessert, like these boozy margarita cupcakes. Tender cake, topped with tequila lime frosting and a lime wedge makes for a festive and fun sweet to share.
These cool treats are just the thing to take to a taco party. They offer a sweet way to calm a spicy tongue after enjoying tacos, salsa and other yummy dishes. These are easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients and will be loved by anyone who tries one.
Jello shots are always fun for a party with friends. This recipe layers them to look just like a jiggly version of the classic cocktail. With a whipped cream topping and a cherry, these pair so well with tacos to turn a simple meal into an instant party.
Take a batch of pina coladas along to a taco party to offer a classic frozen drink to help keep everyone cool after some spicy food. You can make this recipe with the alcohol, or without, and either way, the taste is incredible.
A refreshing margarita with kiwi and jalapeno makes a great conversation starter at a party. The blend of sweet fruit and spicy peppers is perfect paired with fire roasted salsa and all varieties of tasty tacos.
